Answer to Question #216668 in Sociology for Ziyanda Ngese

Question

“Citizenship education programmes in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and South Africa provide opportunities for teaching about citizenship in schools and beyond.” Argue this point in detail and indicate whether these programmes are sufficient in producing active, patriotic and global (cosmopolitan) citizens. [10 marks ]

Answer 1

Citizenship education aims to develop respect for others and an awareness of the equality of all people, as well as to reject all forms of discrimination by cultivating a spirit of tolerance and peace. Cosmopolitanism is the belief that all people are members of a single community. The concept includes advocating for universal moral standards, constructing global political institutions, and creating a platform for mutual cultural expression and tolerance. Cosmopolitan citizenship education is a transformative approach to education that helps students to become global citizens by active involvement in local, national, and worldwide communities, as well as efforts to better the world. From an early age, the cosmopolitan approach to citizenship education aims to teach children how to think critically and participate in society decisions. Human and citizen rights are inextricably intertwined. The cosmopolitanism approach includes a socially constructed viewpoint endorsing cosmopolitan goals and activities, a stance of openness and or tolerance toward the ideologies of others, an anticipation of historical movement toward global peace, and a recognition with the entire globe or with humanity at large that includes local commitments. It contributes to the development of an engaged and responsible citizenship, one willing to participate in the life of the nation and the globe at large, as well as to play a role in the democratic process.